An adult kamitori is an ephemeral creature, typically living only a few weeks before the enchantment keeping it alive wears off and it unfolds into a plain square of paper once more. Though not alive in the same way as other creatures, and unable to perform magic of their own, kamitori do seem to develop distinct personalities, and retain these personalities if revived. Some magi can direct the paper to transform into a particular creature, but most kamitori will naturally fold into the shape of a bird. They are able to fly with their paper wings, and though they have no need of food or water, will occasionally rest on their magi's shoulder. Although kamitori can be made from any sort of paper, paper that is patterned can be charmed into special long-lived kamitori called sora kamitori. If a person's name is written on the blank side of the colored paper, a sora kamitori made from it will bond with that person, making them popular gifts during the holidays.

Kamitori are not truly alive, but are rather the physical manifestations of magical charms. Specialist magi cast living spells on inanimate objects, bringing them to life for short periods of time. Each spell has a time duration, and the more powerful the spellcaster, the longer the creature remains animated. Kamitori are one of the oldest forms of charm creatures, and usually the first project a new artificer creates when they join the Artificers Association. A small square of folding paper is charmed and takes the shape of an egg. Given enough attention, it will refold itself into the shape of an animal, usually a bird, and behave much like a bird until its spell wears off. Although the spell usually fades after a few days, a little tweaking can allow the kamitori to feed off the energy of the things around it -- heat, light, noise, and even affection -- and extend its lifespan indefinitely.